What is at issue with Prop. 98 and Prop. 99 in the June 3 election next week?
When you speak to either side of this hot issue, the reasons they give for supporting their proposition is their proposition is better than the other guy’s.
But what merits, you might ask, does each proposition truly offer?
I read the materials, and like all of you who educate yourselves before voting, I came to a decision about how I’m going to vote.
I’ll tell you why.
Getting Personal
First of all, I live in Culver City.
So I’m voting based upon how these measures will affect me.
When I sat on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the South Sepulveda development proposal last year, and when I campaigned for City Council this spring, this issue of eminent domain came up.
At least a few times at public forums as well.
Countless times, I said that Culver City maintains an ordinance that won’t allow eminent domain of a residential property.
This I clearly remember causing a scoff from the audience at one forum.
I never found out who that was.
The facts are the facts, folks.
It’s the Law
Culver City isn’t going to take a residential property by eminent domain. Don’t believe the fear mongers. Go get a copy of the ordinance at City Hall.
Having said that, the city will and has negotiated with property owners and will surely continue to do so. It’s good business sense.
The question I asked myself was, how will the state law change what we already have here in Culver City?
That made part of my decision an easy “no” on 99. It doesn’t go far enough to protect all property owners. It really does nothing for small business owners. This was the other fear people had about the proposal for the Sepulveda corridor.
In the Other Direction
Prop. 98 does go further. Now all I needed to do was look at the other issue regarding 98, rent control.
Culver City is among the majority in California in that we are a city that doesn’t have rent control.
In fact, only about 15 cities in California have rent control. So that part of 98 only applies to them, not to Culver City.
With respect to rent control, nothing would change if this bill passed. But 98 is more far-reaching with respect to eminent domain, in particular for its protection of small business owners and commercial property owners.
So that’s why I’m voting “yes” on 98 and “no” on 99.
Loni Anderson L.Ac., is a small business owner and homeowner.
